Change Of Status for Current International Students
Changing your immigration status in the U.S. can be a challenging process. It is important that you are very aware of the requirements and the consequences before you begin. Depending on the status you are currently in, changing your status could affect your employment opportunities in the U.S. as well as the tuition you pay as a student at UC Denver.
ISSS can assist students in many visa categories to change to an F-1 or J-1 visa status. However, the application you send to USCIS is ultimately your application and your responsibility. We cannot guarantee that your application will be approved by USCIS.
ISSS will need to see your approval notice, Form I-797, from USCIS once your application is approved. Additionally, any student changing to F-1 or J-1 status will be required to purchase or waive out of the CU Denver health insurance for international students
Depending on the status you are changing from, there could be significant tax implications. Please contact a CPA (tax specialist) who is knowledgeable about filing non-resident taxes.
An individual must be in F-1 or J-1 status before being eligible for certain work authorizations. On-Campus Employment: A student would not be authorized to work on campus until they receive approval for their change of status. CPT and OPT: Students changing to F-1 status may be immediately eligible for CPT or OPT upon their change of status approval. Students changing to J-1 status must consult with ISSS for work authorization questions.
Please set an appointment with your ISSS Specialist to discuss your change of status.
Additionally, please see the information regarding in-state tuition eligibility as a non-immigrant visa holder.
Considerations In Common Change Of Status Applications
| Current Status | Changing to.. | Keep in mind... |
|---|---|---|
| H-1B | F-1 | You may start your studies before the change of status is approved, but you will not be able to work in the US without special permission from ISSS. Your tuition classification may change from in-state to out-of-state. |
| H-4 | F-1 | You may start your studies before the change of status is approved, but you will not be able to work in the US without special permission from ISSS. Your tuition classification may change from in-state to out-of-state. |
| F-2 OR M-2 | F-1 | You may not start your program of study until your application has been approved. |
| B-1 OR B-2 | F-1 | You may not start your program of study until your application has been approved. |
| F-2, H-4, E-2, J-1, L-2, OR M-2 | F-1 | If you are changing your status due to “aging out,” you must apply several months before your 21st birthday. Your tuition classification may change from in-state to out-of-state. |
| J-1 | F-1 | A change of status in the US is only possible if you are not subject to the 212(e)-2 year home-residence requirement. |
| J-2 | F1 | A change of status in the US is only possible if the J-1 and the subsequent J-2 visa holders are not subject to the 212(e)-2 year home-stay requirement. |
| ANY VISA TYPE | J-1 | Applying for a change of status to J-1 may render you subject to the 212(e)-2 year home-stay requirement. |